Skype for Business, Block and Unblock People

How do I block callers? How do I prevent getting instant messages from people while I'm in a meeting? What do I use if I only want to take messages or phone calls from certain people?

Outside Calls

There has not been an effective way that we have found to block outside phone calls.

People Within the University Skype for Business System

People within the University's Skype for Business system can be prevented from contacting you by changing your privacy relation ship with them to "Blocked." Blocking someone in the Skype for Business system has the following effects:

Your status will always appear as "Offline" to the blocked caller.

The blocked caller will not be able to call you directly using Skype for Business. However, the blocked caller will still be able to be in multi-party calls with you, such as conference calls.

The blocked caller will not be able to send you instant messages using Skype for Business.

Initiate the block

Search for the person using "Last Name, First Name" or "NetID@illinois.edu"or find them in your existing contact list.

Right-click on the person in the list of contacts.

Select "Change Privacy Relationship."

Then select "Blocked Contacts" as the new privacy relationship.

Accept the warning and the person is now blocked.

Once you block someone, you may exist in their Contact List, however you will always appear Offline. Additionally, the presence of the blocked individual will show to you as "Blocked."

How to unblock a person

Search for the person using "Last Name, First Name" or "NetID@illinois.edu"or find them in your existing contact list.

Right-click on the person in the list of contacts.

Select "Change Privacy Relationship."

Then select "Auto-assign Relationship" as the new privacy relationship.

Accept the warning and the person is now unblocked.

More information on privacy relationships and controlling access to your presence information can be found at: